CommunicationPublished on 6 January 2026

Crans-Montana fire

Updated on 2 February 2026 – The authorities, hospitals and rescue services are jointly seeking to ensure that the people injured in the Crans-Montana fire receive the best possible care. This collaboration is being coordinated by the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP). Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and friends.

In the early hours of New Year’s Day (1 January 2026), a devastating fire broke out in a bar in Crans‑Montana. As a result of its rapid spread, 41 people lost their lives and 115 were injured, mainly suffering severe burns. Many of the victims are in a critical condition. For treatment, a number of the injured were transferred to the two Swiss specialised burns units at Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and Zurich University Hospital (USZ).

To ensure that the large number of patients with severe burns receive the best possible care, Switzerland – through the National Network for Disaster Medicine (KATAMED) – requested the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). Thanks to the support provided by several European countries, 38 patients have now been transferred from hospitals in Switzerland to specialised clinics in Belgium, France, Germany and Italy. Switzerland has received offers of help from numerous countries.

The FOPH continues to provide support in many areas – for example, in clarifying responsibilities for the assumption of costs for hospital treatments and questions of insurance. It establishes contacts with the relevant associations and other bodies to ensure that those affected receive the necessary assistance quickly and without undue formalities.

Switzerland has sent two Swiss Contact Teams (SCTs) to the European burns units where patients resident in Switzerland are being treated. In consultation with local treatment teams, they are determining the current condition and the needs of these patients for subsequent long-term therapy, including rehabilitation. (Press release available in French/German/Italian)

Further information can be found on the website of the FOCP, including more details on the National Network for Disaster Medicine KATAMED (formerly Coordinated Medical Service CMS).

Support for victims and relatives

Victims of crime and their relatives are entitled to assistance from victim support services under the Victim Support Act (VSA). Emergency assistance includes medical services, counselling, and travel and accommodation costs for relatives. The victims of the Crans-Montana fire and their relatives can obtain the necessary individual assistance from the cantonal victim support services.

The Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP) is examining whether there are any gaps in existing support services, and whether additional measures are needed to assist those concerned and their families. No one should be allowed to slip through the net of existing support services. At its meeting on 14 January, the Federal Council therefore decided that it was prepared to request funding from Parliament, if necessary, to support the victims and their families.

Further information: Support for victims and relatives of the fire in Crans-Montana; Victim Support Switzerland: Major fire in Crans-Montana; Fire in Crans-Montana: Federal Council pledges support to victims and their families

Book of Condolence

The book of condolence is now closed. It will remain online, but no more entries can be submitted. More than 23 000 people around the world sent words of sympathy, compassion and comfort: Book of Condolence.

National Day of Mourning on 9 January, with a minute’s silence at 2pm

On Friday, 9 January 2026, Switzerland, as a nation, remembered those who died in the Crans‑Montana fire, expressing solidarity with all those injured and affected by this disaster. The President, Guy Parmelin, together with Switzerland’s official religious communities, invited people to observe a minute’s silence and a moment of reflection. Church bells tolled throughout the country. A memorial service was held in Martigny in the canton of Valais.

Further information: National day of mourning in memory of the victims of Crans-Montana; Memorial ceremony for the victims of the fire in Crans-Montana which occurred on 1 January 2026

Further information

• Federal Office for Civil Protection FOCP
• Victim support: Major fire in Crans-Montana (VS) – Victim Support Switzerland
• Canton Valais: Situation report on the identification of victims of the Crans-Montana fire (available in French / German)
• National Network for Disaster Medicine KATAMED (formerly Coordinated Medical Service CMS)
• EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM)

Further topics